L-TYROSINE BREAKDOWN
Want to improve alertness, attention and focus while speeding up your metabolism? Of course you do! Luckily all you need to do is turn your attention to amino acids.
As you may already know, amino acids are often associated with mass and strength gains, but their benefits go beyond athletic performance. For instance, there is one in particular that regulates melanin production and supports mental health. As well as keeps the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands functioning optimally. Which one is this, may you ask? It's none other than L-Tyrosine.
WHAT IS L-TYROSINE?
Tyrosine (also called L-tyrosine)) is an amino acid that is used to produce noradrenaline and dopamine. It is involved in the structure of almost every protein in the body. It gets its name from the Greek word tyros for cheese, since it was first discovered in cheese protein.
Most amino acids are categorized as essential (you need to get it from food) or non-essential (your body makes its own).
Tyrosine is one of the handful of “conditional” amino acids. This means that your body can usually make what it needs, but not always in adequate amounts. Tyrosine is a part of the process of producing thyroid hormones, which are primarily responsible for regulating metabolism and melanin, a pigment that adds color to the skin, hair and eyes. Stress, overwork, lack of sleep, illness, or eating too little protein can all increase your need for tyrosine.
WHAT IS L-TYROSINE USED FOR?
In the body, L-Tyrosine is crucial for making some important substances. These include:
Dopamine- This is a chemical that regulates the pleasure centers of the brain and nervous system. It is also important for memory and motor skills.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline- These hormones trigger the fight or flight response in the body. They make you ready for a perceived attack or threat.
Thyroid hormones- The thyroid regulates your entire metabolism.
Melanin- This is the chemical that gives pigment to the skin. Dark-skinned people have more melanin than light-skinned people.
BENEFITS OF L-TYROSINE
Because of the biological functions of L-Tyrosine, it works as an exercise and fitness supplement since making use of some of these functions can accentuate the goals of exercise and weight loss.
● Better Athletic Performance
L-tyrosine has been shown to provide increased energy and endurance. For instance, by increasing levels of dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine, you can increase performance in athletic endeavors. This is great for all athletes and for anyone who works out regularly.
● Increase Mental Capacity
The effects of L-Tyrosine supplements in neurotransmitters can also potentially increase memory and mental performance. Research shows that tyrosine promotes critical thinking and cognitive flexibility, the ability to switch back and forth between tasks. It improves working memory especially where performance is compromised by stress, such as with multitasking. There’s even evidence it can be neuroprotective and may halt cognitive decline in some forms of dementia.
● Weight Loss Abilities
Since it is a precursor to substances like epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, L-tyrosine may be a good supplement choice for those trying to lose weight because, theoretically, it may help speed metabolism.
The idea behind L-Tyrosine supplementation is that you’re going to retrain your body’s metabolism by making your cells more productive. Increased protein synthesis is going to require more energy. To gain energy, your body will burn more calories, most notably in the form of stored fat from carbohydrates. The end result? Fat burn and weight loss!
BOTTOM LINE
As an amino acid, L-Tyrosine plays a substantial role in building muscle but it does much more. L-Tyrosine plays some really important roles in the body and metabolism from boosting endurance to better brain function. Despite the many benefits of L-Tyrosine, please check with your healthcare provider before adding it to you regime as you should with any new supplementation.
